Question

Explain the role of plants in checking soil erosion.

Answer 1

Soil: The soil is a mixture of inorganic minerals and organic matter that covers the uppermost layer of the Earth's land surface (Lithosphere).

Soil erosion: The denudation, degradation, or loss of topsoil leading to disorganization, transportation, or removal by various factors is referred to as soil erosion.

Plants are intimately related to the soil due to the root system that is deeply embedded into the soil. The role of plants in checking soil erosion is as follows:

1. The roots and root hairs of the plants bind the soil particles and thus prevent them from eroding.
2. Thus, afforestation holds the top layer of the soil and protects its transportation/denudation.
3. The effects of eroding factors like a strong wind, thunderstorms, and torrential rain can be overcome by plants that are planted in multiple rows.